China-Australia trade volume up

The bilateral trade volume between China and Australia is increasing despite the global financial crisis. After hitting nearly 60 billion US dollars at the end of last year, the volume has jumped 30 percent so far this year.

Speaking at a China-Australia trade and investment forum in Sydney, Australia, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Jiang Zengwei said it's necessary for Chinese and Australian governments and companies to strengthen cooperation and jointly deal with the financial crisis.

Australian foreign investment regulators said at the forum they've never denied an investment application for Chinese shares in Australian companies, or mergers and acquisitions between firms in the two countries, since 2001. And they asked Chinese companies to make direct contact with Australian investment authorities rather than relying on their Australian partners or lawyers.